Bain to retire from St. John Fisher in 2015

Donald Bain has announced plans to step down as president of St. John Fisher College, ending a tenure with the school that stretched 35 years.

Bain took over the presidency in 2004 after President Katherine Keough died in office. Bain started at St. John Fisher in 1975 as a history professor.

He will retire in 2015.

“It has been my sincere pleasure serving this community for the last 40 years, but in particular, serving as president over the last decade,” Bain said. “I am grateful for the opportunity I was given, humbled by the support I have received and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Victor Salerno, chairman of the college’s board of trustees, thanked Bain for his service to the college. During his tenure, Bain led the college on an academic reorganization, creating autonomous schools, expanding the master’s level programs and international education and introducing doctoral programs and online education.

“Don’s leadership has been strong and consistent, and his commitment to everyone at the college—from students and their families, to employees and alumni—has been appreciated and will be missed,” Salerno said. “On behalf of the board of trustees and as an alum of this great institution, I am most grateful for his dedication and devotion to the college and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.”